RIDE WORLD WIDE Argentina Los Potreros, Cordoba 2016 Riding

Transcription

RIDE WORLD WIDE
Argentina
Los Potreros, Cordoba 2016
Riding Information Sheet
Estancia Los Potreros is a 6,500 acre working organic cattle farm in the heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba some
500 miles to the north west of Buenos Aires. Situated in the “Sierras Chicas” at an altitude of 3,000 feet, Los Potreros
has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations and the main house is steeped in family history.
It also boasts many references to the days of the Jesuits who first organised farming in the area before they were forced
to leave, quite suddenly, in 1769. Los Potreros is owned by the Begg family and is run, along with their wives, by
brothers Kevin and Robin who were brought up in Argentina before living in England for some years. Kevin and his
wife Louisa now live on the estancia and are ideal hosts to introduce you to the way of life on an Argentine estancia.
Kevin and Robin's father still runs the cattle side of things, (Los Potreros has an excellent reputation for breeding
Aberdeen Angus cattle), and Kevin & Louisa are also keen breeders of Peruvian Paso horses. The estancia is well
located to visit some of the Jesuit churches for which the province is known and as well as providing a fantastic base for
keen riders, there is also much for the non-rider in the area including some lovely walking, three excellent golf courses,
bird watching, fishing and Cordoba city only 30 miles away.
Dates Visits to the estancia can be ar r anged year r ound for anything from 3 nights to 2 or 3 weeks but gener ally
a minimum of 7 nights is recommended to give you time to enjoy both the estancia and also the different scenery
slightly further afield. (Over Christmas & New Year the minimum stay is 5 nights). Sunday afternoon is set aside as a
rest time so there is only riding on Sunday mornings. There are set dates for 7 night progressive rides and also for
'Learn to Play Polo' weeks. These can also be arranged outside the set dates for groups on request.
WWW.RIDEWORLDWIDE.COM
INFO@RIDEWORLDWIDE.COM; TEL +44 (0)1837 82544; FAX +44 (0)1837 82179
STADDON FARM, NORTH TAWTON, DEVON, EX20 2BX, UK
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The Horses Ther e ar e about 150 hor ses in all at Los Potr er os including br eeding mar es and foals, with about 90
riding horses. The horses are Criollo (the local Argentine breed) and Criollo crosses (some with the estancia’s own
Thoroughbred stallion) of between about 15hh and 16hh and there are also a number of Peruvian Paso horses many of
which are home bred using the estancia’s own Paso stallion. Paso horses were bred for covering the huge distances on
large Peruvian estancias at the most comfortable gait possible. They have a natural 4 beat lateral gait, a unique
characteristic that was developed and has been preserved through selective breeding and which makes a pure bred Paso
horse the smoothest and most comfortable riding horse in the world. Criollo horses arrived in Argentina with the
Spanish and still are widely used for working cattle. They are strong and sensible but also extremely responsive, athletic
and forward going making them a real pleasure to ride. All the horses at Los Potreros are ridden in the traditional South
American (western) style so are used to neck reining and go best when ridden with a loose contact with the mouth.
Saddles are British military saddles, usually with an extremely comfortable sheepskin on top and some polo saddles are
also available. Saddle-bags are provided for longer rides. There is a weight limit for riders of about 95kgs / 15 stone for
estancia-based rides and 90kgs / 14 stone for progressive rides and polo, but please contact us to check suitable horses
are available if your weight is close to this.
Riding The r iding at Los Potr er os is ver y flexible, with hour s tailor ed to suit and sever al differ ent r iding options
offered. If you wish you can ride for 4 or 6 hours a day, with long picnic rides to explore the surrounding area, perhaps
riding to the Canada de Condores to swim in the waterfall. You might choose to ride out on morning and / or afternoon
rides of 2 to 4 hours, or take a 2 day expedition with a night spent camping. There are also opportunities to try your
hand informally at polo, ‘stick and balling’ with the gauchos (this is usually once a week) and more intensive
‘polo-centric’ stays are also available. Another option is to join one of the set date progressive La Cumbre Rides,
following a circular route from the Estancia, staying at smallholdings and working farms and exploring more of the
Sierras Chicas. For guests staying longer than 5 nights, one or two night expeditions, camping out or staying at rustic
farmhouses, can be arranged at most times of the year with notice. Riding groups are small, and divided according to
ability, generally a maximum of 8 guests and usually less, and all rides are lead by an experienced English speaking
guide with helpers / grooms on hand to look after the horses at all times. There is no riding on Sunday afternoons.
Pace The pace of the r iding at Los Potr er os can be var ied to suit, with plenty of oppor tunities for fast canter s
and also for more relaxed riding for those who prefer. Some routes are rugged and quite steep in places where narrow
paths cut through the acacia scrub and where the pace has to be slow, but there also lots of good open plains, grassy
valleys and soft dirt tracks that are ideal for exhilarating canters. The pace is well varied overall.
Riding Experience Los Potr er os is ideally suited to r easonably exper ienced r ider s who wish to explor e the
surrounding country on a responsive, well schooled horse and who are comfortable, relaxed and secure in the saddle at a
walk, trot and fast canter. To get the most from the riding and horses you should be used to riding in open country and
over varied terrain as there is a variety of going - grassy plains, narrow tracks through the scrub forest, rugged hills to
climb and small streams to cross. You will also enjoy your riding much more if you are fairly riding fit and if you don't
ride regularly at home, we recommend you accustom yourself to the hours you will spend in the saddle with
cont
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Riding Experience cont some r egular tr aining befor e you go. The estancia is also a good choice for less
experienced riders and there is a good selection of horses to suit riders of different abilities. As the riding hours and
pace can be adapted to suit, novice, less experienced and beginner riders are also be well catered for.
Polo While not a dedicated polo estancia (the hills don’t help), Los Potr er os has str ong connections with the
game. Part of the estancia was once owned by polo legend Lewis Lacey, one of the world’s first 10 goal players and one
of the few to have played polo for both Great Britain and Argentina - and the man credited with ‘inventing’ the polo
shirt as we now know it. The aim of the polo at Los Potreros is to encourage you to start playing this fast invigorating
game, to build on what skills you may already have and for you to leave bursting to play more. The atmosphere is
refreshingly relaxed, the horses keen and clever, and the coaching prefect to nurture the gamesman (or woman) within.
In addition to the two afternoons a week given over to all guests to play polo (weather permitting), the estancia offers
the ‘Learn to Play Polo Week’ (8 days/ 7 nights) aimed at the beginner, novice or occasional player. Please contact us
for further details.
[4]
Terrain The Sier r as Chicas r ise to a height of 7,500 ft, r unning par allel to the main Andes. They ar e an older
range of mountains than the high Andes with some varied terrain and wonderful views onto the 'pampas' below. The
lower slopes are forested, mostly with acacia, cocos and molles, then as you climb higher, the trees become smaller and
the forest more patchy, with clearings of tussock and pampa grass. Higher still, the hills are barren but for the 'paja
brava', a hardy tussock grass which grows at high altitude and which provides cattle with grazing in winter when there
is nothing else left to eat. There are hidden rocky valleys, open meadows carpeted with wild flowers and dramatic
gorges with waterfalls. There is an interesting variety of bird life including vultures, eagles, partridges, doves, several
different kinds of parrot and brightly coloured humming birds and the mighty Andean Condor is returning to the area.
Foxes and hares are often seen whilst riding and puma, wild boar and small deer are present although more elusive and
difficult to spot!
Accommodation Accommodation at the estancia is simple but comfor table, pr oviding you with all cr eatur e
comforts. The estancia consists of several buildings, all whitewashed and single storey in the traditional style, and some
bedrooms are separate from the main house. They are all preserved as much as possible in the original colonial style and
are furnished in keeping, with tiled floors, rugs and original furniture and fittings. Bedrooms have wood burning stoves
or fireplaces to take the chill off the mountain air and most have en-suite bathrooms (with either bath or shower) - again
fittings are from another era but it all works and there is plenty of hot water! Electricity is supplied by wind turbine with
a diesel generator for back up. The Begg family and staff make you feel extremely welcome and the atmosphere at the
estancia is always relaxed and informal. Guests have free use of the drawing room - ideal for relaxing by the fire or
meeting for drinks before dinner - and the swimming pool (not heated so generally only used in summer months) is also
a lovely place to relax after riding with views across open fields. Meals are either eaten ‘al fresco’ on the veranda or at a
long table in the dining room. On longer mobile rides the first 2 nights and the last night are at Los Potreros. On other
nights accommodation is simple and is spent in neighbouring estancias, simple country inns or at fairly basic farms although depending on the itinerary chosen, there may be some nights camping out using small two man tents and
sleeping bags. The maximum number of guests staying at anyone time is 12, though generally it is 6-8.
Meals Food at the estancia is excellent with br ead baked daily and plenty of delicious Ar gentine beef. Days star t
with a cooked breakfast for those who wish or you might have muesli with yoghurt, fruit, bread, toast and homemade
jam. Lunch and dinner are often a traditional Argentine 'asado' (barbeque) with beef, chorizo or lamb, accompanied by
fresh salads, home-made bread and cheese, washed down with Argentinean wine. Los Potreros have their own label of
locally made wine and the various grape varieties make for interesting wine tasting. Vegetarians will be catered for as
far as possible but please give us prior notice of any special dietary requirements.
[5]
Weather Cor doba is known for its good weather and healthy climate - 'siempre de temporada' (always in season) is
the old slogan and the estancia is open to guests all year round (except in May when repairs / improvements are carried
out). The climate can vary but it is generally sunny and dry, particularly from April to October which are the winter
months. The Argentine summer, November to March, is the rainy season although rain is generally not intrusive and it
is still often sunny. In June, July and August, it can be cold at night but is usually warm and sunny in the middle of the
day - average temperatures for January, the hottest month are between 17 and 30 degrees C, and during July, the coldest
month, between 5 and 17 degrees C. The sun can be very strong so hats and good sun protection are recommended year
round.
Other activities and family holidays Los Potr er os is a gr eat choice for the non-rider as well as rider and there are
plenty of non-riding activities to choose from. For a break from riding there are some lovely walks through the hills to
explore the streams and rocky canyons, to watch the exotic bird life, swim and picnic by waterfalls. The estancia’s pool
is a wonderful spot to relax and there is also wine tasting, good walking and bird watching on the estancia, and nearby
there is an international paragliding site, mountain biking, world-class dove shooting, three excellent golf courses in the
vicinity, and fishing of sorts. The farm is remote but a taxi ride or a lift can take you shopping to Rio Ceballos (13 km),
to La Falda (17 km) or La Cumbre (35 km) or to Cordoba city, an interesting University city that was a principal staging
post between Lima (Peru) and Buenos Aires. The area around Los Potreros is rich in Jesuit churches showing their
intense activity in the region and popular local sites to explore include the national Jesuit Museum in Jesus Maria
(1618), Estancia Sta Catalina (which was founded in 1662) and Embalse San Roque. There are also annual attractions
such as the folkloric festival at Cosquin and the Rodeo at Jesus Maria as well as annual cattle sales and cattle branding.
Children are welcome at Los Potreros and it is an ideal spot for a family holiday. As well as riding, walking, swimming,
picnics and barbecues, children might enjoy activities such as helping milk the cows, collecting eggs from the estancia’s
chickens, and building dams in the streams. There is a minimum age of 10 at the estancia and to ride children are
expected to be able to sit and control a horse independently and to join a longer distance ride, staying away from the
Estancia on some nights, the minimum age is usually 12 years old (exceptions may be made for private groups).
Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times on the estancia. As they traditionally eat dinner quite
late in Argentina, an earlier supper is prepared for children and they are requested to eat before the adults.
What to bring We will send you a list of things we suggest you br ing when you make your booking.
Itineraries Itiner ar ies for a stay at Los Potr er os ar e flexible and customised. Below ar e samples of a 7 night
estancia-based itinerary and also the 7 night La Cumbre progressive ride.
Day 1 You will be collected fr om Cor doba Pajas Blancas Air por t and dr iven to Los Potr er os (appr ox. an hour ’s
drive). Settle in and, if time allows, an afternoon ride to the outpost of Estancia Chiviquin, a very old and simple
traditional dwelling that offers an insight into cattle farming in these remote areas. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner - a tradition
every evening at Los Potreros - and an opportunity to discuss plans for the rest of your stay. Overnight Los Potreros.
(D)
[6]
Day 2 A mor ning r ide to get to know your hor se and the gauchos. Climb to some of the high points of the cattle
ranch to get your bearings before returning to base for a typical Argentine 'asado' (barbecue) lunch with several
different cuts of meat to try. The afternoon to relax, perhaps swimming or walking then watch the sun go down with an
evening drink on the 'Patio Verde'. Dinner and, if the moonlight allows, a night drive or ride to a high point of the ranch
to see the lights of the city of Cordoba in the distance. On the way you may hear the sound of the 'church bell stone' that
inspired the bell-shaped cattle brand mark used on the farm. Night at Estancia Los Potreros. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Br eakfast and then mount up and set off r iding acr oss countr y passing the 'Canada de los
Condores' (Canyon of the Condors) where condors are sometimes seen. A picnic lunch at the waterfall and a chance to
swim if the water is warm enough. Ride back to Los Potreros for dinner and the night. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Today's r ide may take you to 'La Estancita', per haps stopping for a picnic lunch at the Dominican chur ch.
Ride back to Los Porteros by a different route. Dinner and night at Los Potreros. (B,L,D)
Day 5 to 7 3 full days at Los Potr er os with r ides out each day, and a choice of var ious activities. You may want to
try your hand at polo, a little low key ‘stick and ball’ polo is the perfect introduction to this addictive, fun and fast
moving game, or perhaps help the gauchos round up the yearling horses each evening to protect them from the puma, or
may to prefer to explore further reaches of the Sierras. Day visits to local towns can also be arranged and there are often
'rodeos' or other colourful events which are worth a visit. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Br eakfast and tr ansfer to Cor doba air por t. (B)
The following is an example itinerary of the 7 night La Cumbre progressive ride. This ride takes you over the constantly
changing geography of the region, through areas impossible to reach by car. You stay at a variety of locations from
cattle estancias to very simple dwellings exposing you to local life.
Day 1 You will be collected fr om Cor doba Pajas Blancas Air por t and dr iven to Los Potr er os (appr ox. an hour ’s
drive). Settle in and if time allows an afternoon ride to the outpost of Estancia Chiviquin, a very old and simple
traditional dwelling that offers an insight into cattle farming in these remote areas. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner - a tradition
every evening at Los Potreros - and an opportunity to discuss plans for the rest of your stay. Overnight Los Potreros.
(D)
Day 2 A mor ning r ide to get to know your hor se and the gauchos. Climb to some of the high points of the cattle
ranch to get your bearings before returning to base for a typical Argentine 'asado' (barbecue) lunch (by the pool) with
several different cuts of meat to try. The afternoon to relax, perhaps swimming or walking then watch the sun go down
with an evening drink on the 'Patio Verde'. Dinner and if the moonlight allows, a night drive or ride to a high point of
the ranch to see the lights of the city of Cordoba in the distance. On the way you may hear the sound of the 'church bell
stone' that inspired the bell-shaped cattle brand mark used on the farm. Night at Estancia Los Potreros. (B,L,D)
[7]
Day 3 Br eakfast and then mount up and set off r iding acr oss countr y passing the 'Canada de los
Condores' (Canyon of the Condors) where condors are sometimes seen. Ride on to 'La Estancita' for a picnic lunch at
the local school. A short visit to the Dominican church then ride on past local dwellings and small farms to Estancia
Potrero de Niz where the night is spent in the Estancia or camping. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Set off r iding towar ds Candonga going nor th along the top of the Sier r as Chicas and following dir t tr acks
towards ‘Menta’s farm’ (cabin). Menta is a wonderful host and an excellent cook. Together with her brother she ekes
out a meagre existence from her smallholding and staying here is well worth the experience! There may be a chance to
swim in the cool, fast flowing stream or to visit Candoga church (C1650) before dinner and the night in the simple
cabin or camping out. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Br eakfast and a long r ide, climbing high above the town of La Cumbr e and on to the 'Loma Gr ande'.
Dinner and night at a charming and secluded stone lodge with no access by road. Don't miss the night stars - you really
feel you could reach out and touch them. The night in simple bunks at the lodge or camping out. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Descend to explor e the town of La Cumbr e (a town of Br itish or igin) set at the top of the Punilla valley.
Lunch in a typical Cruz Chica home before riding on, winding your way towards the town of La Falda along the
'Camino de Los Artesanos'. Dinner and the night at a local inn or estancia. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Br eakfast and an ear ly mor ning star t, r iding towar ds 'El Cuadr ado'. Passing thr ough the outskir ts of La
Falda, a town with German origin, via the remains of the famous Eden Hotel (funded by Hitler during the war and now
a museum of sorts). Ride on, climbing up along the top of a ridge with views across the Valle de Punilla. Pass the Jesuit
ruin at 'El Vergel' (C1700) and head back to Los Potreros for a welcoming hot bath, dinner and your final night at the
estancia. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Br eakfast and a far ewell r ide on the estancia befor e your tr ansfer to the air por t. (B)
[8]
Dates & Prices 2016
Please note that due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, ride rates are now quoted in USD. The sterling
price will be the equivalent sterling rate using the USD/sterling exchange rate in force when you book/pay.
Stays at Los Potreros can be arranged on request year round for 3 nights or more (5 nights or more over Christmas &
New Year).
Rates are seasonal, per person per night:
1st January to 30th April
3 to 6 nights: USD 460; 7 or more nights - USD 435
1st May to 30th September
1st October to 31st December
There is a 20% discount for children aged 10 to 16 and a minimum age limit of 10 years.
7 night La Cumbre progressive rides:
19th to 26th March - USD 3220 per person
29th October to 5th November - USD 3290 per person
‘Learn to Play Polo’ weeks:
29th February to 6th March - USD 3220 per person
7th to 14th November - USD 3220 per person
21st to 28th November - USD 3220 per person
La Cumbre progressive rides and 'Learn to Play Polo' weeks can be arranged outside the above dates for groups on
request.
Rates INCLUDES all riding, guiding and equipment, twin accommodation, meals, drinks and transfers from / to
Cordoba airport.
The rate EXCLUDES international flights to Cordoba, airport taxes, personal medical / travel insurance (which you
must have), any visa fees and any tips you wish to leave.
Single rooms - 3 bedrooms have been specifically allocated for single occupancy, so providing one of these rooms is
available, there is no single supplement payable. If you would like a single room please ask but do also note that single
rooms cannot always be guaranteed! At busy times, or if you want to guarantee a double room for single occupancy, a
supplement of 30% of the nightly rate is charged. Single rooms are not usually available on progressive rides.
[9]
Dates to look out for with special events
January - National Rodeo and Folkloric Music Festival
8th January to 17th January 2016. This takes place at Jesus Maria, approximately 1 hour drive from Estancia Los
Potreros. The festival combines two of the gauchos biggest loves - horses and music. For guests staying 7 nights or more covering
the weekdays of 12th January a visit to the rodeo, with an evening at Jesus Maria, will be arranged.
February - Dia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria
2nd February 2016. This festival is at La Estancita, a small church close to Estancia Los Potreros. It is a very local, rural event, a
celebration to the Virgin Mary. Mass in the church is followed by a procession, carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary around the
stations of the cross, with followers both on foot and a gaucho cavalcade on horseback.
March - Annual ‘yerra’ or cattle branding
5th March 2015 (subject to change). Estancia Los Potreros is one of the increasingly few estancias in Argentina that still carries
out the annual cattle branding in traditional style. Taking place over a full weekend, this a true community event where local
gauchos gather to show-off their prowess in the corrals, lassoing the young stock for branding in preparation for the sales.
Mendoza grape harvest festival
2nd to 6th March 2016 (dates to be confirmed). Just an hour’s flight from Cordoba, Mendoza is Argentina’s premier wine region
with celebrations, processions, banquets and plenty of wine!
Nuestros Caballos, Buenos Aires
30th March to 3rd April 2016. Argentina’s biggest annual horse show and an absolute must for lovers of all things equine.
Show-jumping, reining competitions, and gaucho games are just some of the many activities on display as well as the ‘best of
breed’ competitions of all of Argentina’s most popular horse breeds, including Arabs, Polo Argentinos, Crillos and Percherons to
name but a few. Plenty of shops with 4 arenas, something happening all day every day.
July - Rural Exhibition, Buenos Aires - Last two weeks in July (to be confirmed). This takes place in Buenos Aires and is the
largest agricultural show in Argentina. You can see demonstrations, ‘best of breed’, competitions and much more. Horses, cattle,
sheep and chickens are all brought to be shown.
August - Buenos Aires Tango Festival
Mid-August - dates to be confirmed. Another Buenos Aires event, running over about 10 days, this tango festival has it all concerts, shows, classes, and open air milongas.
November - San Antonio de Areco gaucho festival
First weekend in November (dates to be confirmed). Two hours from Buenos Aires, the San Antonio de Areco gaucho festival
includes rodeo, asados, traditional dancing and much more at this annual celebration of gaucho traditions.
November / December - Argentine Palermo Open Polo Championships, Buenos Aires
Last 2 weeks in November and first week in December, weekends only (dates to be confirmed). The only place to see polo played at
the highest level anywhere in the world. Not just for polo players - go along to enjoy the spectacle and people watch!
[10]
Flights and travel information The closest air por t to Estancia Los Potr er os, and meeting point for these r ides, is
Cordoba Pajas Blancas Airport (COR). Most flights are via Buenos Aires (but flights via Santiago in Chile, Montevideo
in Uruguay or Lima, Peru are also possible). British Airways currently have daily flight departures to Buenos Aires,
usually leaving London Heathrow at about 22.00 arriving Buenos Aires at about 8.00 the next day. Iberia and the
Argentinean airline, Aerolineas Argentinas also have daily flights from London via Madrid to Buenos Aires. Iberia also
fly to Montevideo and Lan Chile to Santiago (both via Madrid)
Other options are via the continent (eg Air France or Lufthansa) or via the USA. Internal flights Buenos Aires to
Cordoba are with Aerolineas Argentinas (there are several every day). Fares start at about £950 per person economy
return London to Cordoba although this varies considerably depending on the date required, availability and how long
in advance you book. Please call us for more flight information and / or if you would like a fare quote - we would be
happy to book flights for you (our ATOL number for flight sales is 6213).
Transfers to and from Cordoba airport are included, and you will be met at the airport with a sign with your name and/
or Los Potreros. The trip from the airport is about an hour to the estancia on both tarmac and unmade roads.
General visa and health information (NB this is a br ief outline - further information will be sent to you if you make
a confirmed booking)
Visas If you hold a full Br itish Passpor t and ar e visiting Ar gentina for less than 3 months, you do not need to
arrange a visa in advance.
Health No jabs ar e r equir ed as a condition of entr y fr om the UK and Eur ope. The Hospital for Tr opical Diseases
in London recommends that you ensure you are up to date Tetanus and Hepatitis A. Hepatitis B, Rabies and Typhoid
may also be recommended in some circumstances. If you are not up to date with these you should visit your GP or a
travel clinic about 4 weeks before departure.
(Draft 31/10/2015)

RIDE WORLD WIDE Argentina Los Potreros, Cordoba 2016 Riding

Transcription

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